March 18-20, 2018 • Ames

Schedule

Sunday, March 18 – Gateway Hotel

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception

Monday, March 19 – Scheman Building

7:45 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

8:40 a.m.Economic Outlook for Agriculture
•Dr. David Kohl
The agriculture industry is in a major economic transition. What will be the emerging trends impacting agriculture and rural America’s bottom line in the short and long run? What are the latest trends in agriculture? What can you to do position your business for this economic reset?

10:10 a.m.Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. Q&A with Dr. David Kohl

11:00 a.m.Land Values & Water Quality Update
•Steve Bruere, Peoples Company, Des Moines
Peoples Company is a leading provider of land brokerage, land management, land investment and appraisal services in 14 states throughout the Midwest.

12:00 p.m. Luncheon& Speakers•Mitch Holthus, Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs
Mitch Holthus has been the “Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs” since 1994. He is the longest tenured play-by-play “voice” in franchise history. In addition to his play-by-play duties, Holthus also hosts the “Minute With Mitch” television series that is seen and heard in five states.

1:30 p.m. Weather Risk in Agriculture : Predicting Chaos
•Eric Snodgrass, Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Weather is often a major source of volatility in ag markets and when the weather is severe, it can turn a well-managed operation upside down in a matter of minutes. Technologies surrounding weather prediction and monitoring are rapidly evolving and accurate weather observation and forecasting is an integral part of every farming operation.

10:15 a.m. Farm Policy
•Mary Kay Thatcher, Senior Director, Congressional
Relations, American Farm Bureau Federation
What are the best ways to provide our nation’s farmers with a robust safety net? Mary Kay Thatcher will share her perspectives on the farm bill and the important decisions needed to give Americans proper access to food.

11:30 a.m. Luncheon & Speaker: The World Belongs to the Encourager
•Erick Rheam, Speaker/Author
Life is hard and challenging, especially with change as our constant companion; however, there is one relationship tool that will never become obsolete, “Encouragement.” In this motivational talk, you will hear a compelling real-world story of rags to riches and will invite you to embrace the idea of becoming an encourager and show you why it’s your greatest investment for success.